UC Davis' free SummerMusic series is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 15, with a performance by Tcheka, 23-year-old Afro-pop singer and guitarist. Starting time is 7:30 p.m. on the Quad. Tcheka, real name Manuel Lopes Andrade, hails from the island Republic of Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony off the northwest coast of Africa. He blends his homeland's distinctive batuque rhythm (usually played on traditional percussion instruments) with folk, jazz, funk, world music and more. SummerMusic 2008 comprises three concerts presented by the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts and sponsored by UC Davis Summer Sessions.

MORE SUMMERMUSIC 2008

July 28 (Monday) -- Del Castillo, Texas-based Latin rock band

Aug. 25 (Monday) -- Phoebe Snow, folksinger with a four-octave voice

All shows start at 7:30 p.m., with the Quad opening for picnics at 6:30 p.m. Under university policy, alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Free and open to the public.

For more information, click here.

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